Dutch reptiles’ spring beginning

After the first amphibians started to migrate last week, the reptiles are beginning to awaken from their hibernation. In the first days of March, at various places in the country, RAVON volunteers have seen some adders and two lizard species.

3 thoughts on “Dutch reptiles’ spring beginning”

A Kent wildlife trust is beginning to experience the first signs of spring as reptiles and amphibians that have slept through the cold winter begin to wake up.

Wildwood Discovery Park’s adders are among the first animals to wake up from their long hibernation and are being hand-fed by the keepers in the park’s reptile room.

The lizards, frogs and pond tortoises are expected to wake up soon as the weather improves, staff at the park said.

Visitors to the park, near Canterbury, will start to see them in their enclosures as the weather gets warmer.

Ali Bennett, a keeper at Wildwood, said: “It is always exciting to see them waking up.

“We are always concerned that some of them might not survive their hibernation and getting them to eat their first meal is always a challenge.”

Wildwood Discovery Park is set in 40 acres of ancient woodland and is home to more than 300 animals.

It aims to help people learn about the natural history of Britain by seeing the wildlife that once lived here, such as the wolf, beaver, red squirrel, wild boar and many more, close up.

The park is situated close to Canterbury, just off the A291 between Herne Bay and Canterbury. Admission prices are £9.95 for adults and £7.95 for children. The park is currently open 10am to 4pm, seven days a week.